The New Orleans Pelicans are not likely to trade Lonzo Ball before the deadline but that hasn’t stopped teams like the Knicks from poking around.
According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, Lonzo Ball is one of a couple of point guards the Knicks would love to add at the deadline.
This makes some sense, as the Knicks could find themselves in the playoffs for the first time in forever and would love to add a talented, well-known player to a team that still has a long way to go.
The Knicks need playmaking at the point guard and feel that Lonzo Ball or Terry Rozier could possibly provide it.
The Knicks are one of the feel-good stories of the year, but I don’t see them as a viable trade partner for Lonzo Ball for a few reasons.
New Orleans Pelicans: Lonzo Ball may not be a point guard
The Knicks think they need a point guard but it’s possible Lonzo Ball is no longer that guy. He has evolved into a playmaking, 3-and-D hybrid who can defend all over the floor and gets most of his points from the 3-point line.
I’m not saying Lonzo Ball has forgotten how to pass, but to be honest, he’s worth more in the role he currently occupies than as a pass-first point guard. He can still make plays but his shooting has made him something different and perhaps better.
The Knicks already have a young point guard
The New York Knicks already have a young point guard in Immanuel Quickley who now looks like one of the steals of the 2020 NBA draft.
It’s possible they view him more as an off-the-bench scorer, but it would seem strange to block a guy who has been one of the best surprises of their season.
Of course, you can never have too much talent but it does seem like the Knicks need an injection of it more in other areas than they do at the point guard position.
New Orleans Pelicans: The Pels want Lonzo Ball to be part of the core
If I had to make one offseason prediction it is that the New Orleans Pelicans will re-sign Lonzo Ball.
There have been trade rumors but those have died down since Lonzo Ball has proven he can contribute off the ball.
He has also expressed interest in staying with the team and has gotten a lot of public support from his teammates, so I think Lonzo Ball is here to stay.
"Lonzo is a great player, I just wish he got the full respect he deserves." - @Zionwilliamson pic.twitter.com/GSe6f7OFfx
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) March 2, 2021
I don’t blame the New York Knicks for sniffing around but a trade for Lonzo Ball does not make much sense given their roster situation and his likely desire to stay in New Orleans.
If Lonzo Ball does end up on the Knicks, it will be because he chose to take less money to go there in the offseason, which is a possibility, though not one I would bet on happening.